Finally getting around to posting pics of my agent's (Erin Murphy) annual retreat! I went to the first one in Santa Fe a few years ago-- there were about twelve of us there. I think I missed the one after that (in Vermont) because that's the year Lil Dude came from Guatemala. The next year was Portland, and the next Chicago, and this year, in Austin (which was our biggest yet-- over 40 amazing authors!) I really love these people-- it's a rare and wonderful bonding experience. We spend time talking about writing and publishing, gleaning and sharing wisdom. We also eat and laugh a lot (and even cry a little...) I'm too pressed for time at the moment to link to everyone's individual websites, but if you go to Erin's website, you'll find links to everyone else's.

A glimpse of the goofiness that occurred (we went a bit wild that night... I think we scared the wait staff-- at times the shrieks of laughter were louder than those on Lil Dude's preschool playground)...
Ruth Barshaw, Audrey Vernick, and Penny Blubaugh at a signing event we did at Book People (fantastic indie bookstore in Austin!)

Me and Kathy Duval...

Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Penny...

Liz Garton Scanlon and Deborah Underwood...

Ruth taking a photo of a white peacock in a tree outside a lovely restaurant where we dined. (Usually she's sketching everything in her little sketchbook...)

And this is just a sampling!! I'm so fortunate to be part of this group of supportive writers-- it's a giant and unexpected perk of being an author... getting to spend time with these brilliant, sensitive, kind souls.

Time for an evening walk around the neighborhood... have a great week!